Disposable dental aerosol device

ABSTRACT

A disposable dental aerosol device has a body having a tip receiving end, a valve receiving end, a central lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the valve receiving end, and a funnel at the tip receiving end, an aerosol capturing port having an aerosol capturing port lumen, and an aerosol capturing port entrance opening formed in the funnel and an aerosol port exit opening formed in the central lumen with the aerosol capturing port lumen spanning between the aerosol capturing port entrance opening and the aerosol capturing port exit opening.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/865,843, filed on May 4, 2020, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a disposable dental aerosol device for useduring a dental procedure and more particularly to a disposable dentalaerosol suctioning device for capturing saliva, debris, and other fluidsthat aerosol or spray from a mouth of a patient during a dentalprocedure.

During a dental procedure it is important to be able to remove saliva,blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris or fluids fromthe mouth of a patient. Removal of this matter allows a dentist to beable to perform a procedure in an unobstructed manner. Various systemsor devices have been developed to remove liquid and solid materials froma mouth during a dental procedure. One device that is capable ofremoving saliva is known as a saliva ejector or a low volume ejector. Asaliva ejector typically comprises a plastic flexible tube for placementin the mouth of a patient. The saliva ejector tube is connected to avalve which in turn is connected via suction tubing to a source ofvacuum. In this manner, saliva is passed through the ejector tube, thevalve, and the tubing to be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Once theprocedure is completed, the ejector should be discarded and the valveshould be sterilized by autoclave to be used again. Although it issuggested to autoclave the valve after each use, it is known that theautoclave procedure is hardly ever done. Another device that is capableof removing solid materials is a high volume evacuator system. A highvolume evacuator system generally consists of a tube that may beinserted into a mouth of a patient with the tube connected to a valvewhich is connected via a tubing to a source of vacuum. Again, in thismanner, debris may be removed from the mouth of the patient. After thedental procedure, the tube is disposed of and the valve should besterilized for reuse. However, although it is suggested to sterilize thevalve after use, it is known that this suggested procedure is hardlyever followed.

As can be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volume evacuatorare used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of a patient toprevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids and debrisproduced during a dental procedure. However, during the dental procedureother matter, such as an aerosol cloud, is generated. The aerosol cloudmay contain micro-droplets of matter such as small tissue, small bonefragments, bits of metals, and fluids such as saliva or blood, whichbecome airborne and mist or splatter all over the room, equipment,patient, or medical personnel. Any production or distribution of theaerosol cloud should be avoided or prevented because it may containcontagious viruses or other organisms that could be transferred to adentist or other dental personnel. The generation of the aerosol cloudis dangerous and undesirable and should be avoided.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a disposable dental aerosoldevice that captures any aerosol produced during a dental procedure forpreventing aerosol from contacting or contaminating a patient, adentist, a dental room, or dental equipment. It would also be desirableto have a disposable dental aerosol device that is easy to install on orremove from a dental valve attached to suction tubing connected to asource of vacuum. Further, it would be advantageous to have a disposabledental aerosol device that is adjustable in order to control suctioningstrength when required during a dental procedure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental aerosoldevice comprises a tip receiving end, a valve receiving end, a centrallumen formed between the tip receiving end and the valve receiving end,and a funnel at the tip receiving end, an aerosol capturing port havingan aerosol capturing port lumen, and an aerosol capturing port entranceopening formed in the funnel and an aerosol port exit opening formed inthe central lumen with the aerosol capturing port lumen spanning betweenthe aerosol capturing port entrance opening and the aerosol capturingport exit opening

In another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental aerosoldevice comprises a body having a tip receiving end, a valve receivingend, a central lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the valvereceiving end, and a funnel at the tip receiving end, a first aerosolcapturing port having a first aerosol capturing port lumen, a firstaerosol capturing port entrance opening formed in the funnel and a firstaerosol port exit opening formed in the central lumen with the firstaerosol capturing port lumen spanning between the first aerosolcapturing port entrance opening and the first aerosol capturing portexit opening, a second aerosol capturing port having a second aerosolcapturing port lumen, and a second aerosol capturing port entranceopening formed in the funnel and a second aerosol port exit openingformed in the central lumen with the second aerosol capturing port lumenspanning between the second aerosol capturing port entrance opening andthe second aerosol capturing port exit opening.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dentalaerosol device comprises a body having a tip receiving end, a valvereceiving end, a central lumen formed between the tip receiving end andthe valve receiving end, and a funnel at the tip receiving end, anaerosol capturing port having an aerosol capturing port lumen, and anaerosol capturing port entrance opening formed in the funnel and anaerosol port exit opening formed in the valve receiving end with theaerosol capturing port lumen spanning between the aerosol capturing portentrance opening and the aerosol capturing port exit opening.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device foruse with a dental instrument that is suitable for one time use and maybe discarded after a single use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis easy to install on a dental valve connected to suction tubing whichis in turn connected to a source of vacuum and have a tip installed onanother end of the disposable dental aerosol device.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis small, lightweight, easy to handle, easy to install, and easy tooperate.

The present disclosure also provides a disposable dental aerosol devicewhich is of simple construction and design and which can be easilyemployed with reliable results.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental aerosol devicethat does not require sterilization and captures aerosol to preventcontamination.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatmay have an antimicrobial agent or chemical incorporated into the deviceto prevent any bacterial growth on the device. The antimicrobial agentor chemical may also be a coating applied to the disposable dentalaerosol device.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental aerosol thatmay be constructed of plastic that is recyclable or biodegradable toreduce the cost of the device and to allow the device to be disposableand discarded after a single use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis used to capture any aerosol produced during a dental procedure forpreventing aerosol from contacting or contaminating an individual, adental room, or dental equipment.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental aerosol devicethat automatically suctions or captures any saliva, liquid, or othermaterial produced during a dental procedure.

The present disclosure is also directed to a disposable dental aerosoldevice that is adjustable in order to control suctioning strength whenrequired during a dental procedure.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatmay be used with high volume evacuator valves and saliva ejector valvesand does not require that the valves be retrofitted, modified, orchanged.

The present disclosure is directed to a disposable dental aerosol devicethat may be easily inserted into a tip receiving end of a high volumeevacuator valve or a saliva ejector valve.

The present disclosure is also directed to a disposable dental aerosoldevice that may be inserted into a tip receiving end of a high volumeevacuator valve or a saliva ejector valve and does not interfere with atip or straw used with the valves.

The present disclosure further provides a disposable dental aerosoldevice for use with a dental instrument that is adjustable and issuitable for one time use and may be discarded after a single use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis easy to install on a dental valve connected to suction tubing whichis in turn connected to a source of vacuum and has a tip installed onanother end of the disposable dental aerosol device and the disposabledental aerosol device is adjustable to adjust vacuum.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis adjustable and may have an antimicrobial agent or chemicalincorporated into the device to prevent any bacterial growth on thedevice. The antimicrobial agent or chemical may also be a coatingapplied to the disposable dental aerosol device.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental aerosol device thatis adjustable and is used to capture any aerosol produced during adental procedure for preventing aerosol from contacting or contaminatingan individual, a dental room, or dental equipment.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent after considering the following detailed specification inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a disposable dental aerosol deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the disposable dental aerosol deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental aerosol deviceshown in FIG. 2 taken along the plane of line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the disposable dental aerosol deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure being inserted into adental valve, shown in partial view, and having a tip inserted into thedisposable dental aerosol device with a partial side view of the tipbeing shown;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a disposabledental aerosol device constructed according to the present disclosurebeing inserted into a dental valve, shown in partial view, and having atip inserted into the disposable dental aerosol device with a partialside view of the tip being shown;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a disposable dentalaerosol device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device shown inFIG. 6 with the disposable dental aerosol device being installed on atip and parts of the disposable dental aerosol device and the tip beingshown in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental valve deviceshown in FIG. 7 taken along the plane of line 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a disposabledental aerosol device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a disposabledental aerosol device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a disposabledental aerosol device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is front perspective view of the disposable dental aerosoldevice shown in FIG. 11 being inserted into a dental valve with thedental valve being partially shown;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device constructed according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device constructed according to the presentdisclosure being inserted into a dental valve with the dental valvebeing partially shown and in cross-section and the disposable dentalaerosol device having a tip device inserted therein with the tip devicebeing shown in cross-section;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device constructed according to the presentdisclosure being inserted onto a dental valve with the dental valvebeing partially shown and in cross-section; and

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device constructed according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items,number 10 identifies a disposable dental aerosol device for use with adental system (not shown) constructed according to the presentdisclosure. With reference now to FIG. 1, the device 10 comprises a body12 having a tip receiving end 14, a valve receiving end 16, a funnel 18,a first aerosol capturing port 20, and a second aerosol capturing port22. Although the pair of ports 20 and 22 are shown, it is also possibleand contemplated to have one port or more than a pair of ports. The tipreceiving end 14 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw(not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator(saliva ejector). The funnel 18 flares outwardly from the body 12 and iswider than the body 12 to capture aerosol. The valve receiving end 16 isadapted to receive a dental valve (not shown) which is connected to asuction system (also not shown) which is used to dispose of any aerosol,saliva, liquid, or debris removed from a mouth of a patient during adental procedure. The device 10 is constructed of material that allowsthe device 10 to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The valvereceiving end 16 also has a circular stop 24 which may be used toposition the device 10 within a dental valve. Although the funnel 18 isshown being circular at the tip receiving end 14, it is to be understoodthat the funnel 18 may be various other shapes such as rectangular,oval, triangular, or segmented. In any configuration the funnel 18 isflared outwardly and is wider than the body 12 to be able to captureaerosol. As should be appreciated, the device 10 is used with a suctionsystem (not shown) which provides suction through an evacuator tipdevice, the device 10, and a hose so that any aerosol, debris, liquid,or saliva that is introduced into the device 10 and an evacuator tipdevice is removed through the device 10 and an evacuator tip device, adental valve, and a hose when a movable valve sealing body associatedwith a dental valve is in an open state or a partially open state.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a front view of the disposable dentalaerosol device 10 is illustrated. The device 10 comprises the body 12having the tip receiving end 14, the valve receiving end 16, the funnel18, the first aerosol capturing port 20, and the second aerosolcapturing portion 22. The body 12 also has a central lumen 26 formedbetween the tip receiving end 14 and the valve receiving end 16. Thefirst aerosol capturing port 20 has a first aerosol capturing port lumen28. The second aerosol capturing port 22 has a second aerosol capturingport lumen 30.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental aerosoldevice 10. The device 10 comprises the body 12 having the tip receivingend 14, the valve receiving end 16, the funnel 18, the first aerosolcapturing port 20, and the second aerosol capturing portion 22. The body12 also has a central lumen 26 formed between the tip receiving end 14and the valve receiving end 16. The first aerosol capturing port 20 hasthe first aerosol capturing port lumen 28 that extends from a first portentrance opening 32 formed in the funnel 18 to a first port exit opening34 formed in the central lumen 26. The second aerosol capturing port 22has the second aerosol capturing port lumen 30 that extends from asecond port entrance opening 36 formed in the funnel 18 to a second portexit opening 38 formed in the central lumen 26. As can be appreciated,aerosol is suctioned through the funnel 18 through either the portentrance openings 32 or 36 through either the lumen 28 or 30 out eitherthe port exit openings 34 or 38 into the central lumen 26. As will bediscussed in further detail herein, a tip may be inserted into thecentral lumen 26. However, the tip is not long enough to interfere orblock the exit openings 34 or 38 so that aerosol may flow into thecentral lumen 26 and out the valve receiving end 16.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the disposable dental aerosol device 10 isshown being inserted into a dental valve device 50. Although not shown,as is known, the dental valve device 50 may be connected to a tailpiecewhich is connected to a tubing or hose which is connected to a suctionsystem within a dental facility. The suction system is used to providesuction to the dental valve 50 and to dispose of any material, such asfluids and solids, that are suctioned into the dental valve 50, thetailpiece, and the tubing. A tip 52, such as an evacuator tip device orstraw such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (salivaejector), is inserted into the tip receiving end 14 of the device 10. Inthis manner, aerosol (not shown) may be captured by the funnel 18 to besuctioned through the device 10 and the dental valve 50 into the suctionsystem for disposal. Also, the funnel 18 is shown to be flared outwardlyfrom the dental valve 50 and the funnel 18 is wider than the dentalvalve 50 to be able to capture aerosol that is suctioned into the device10. Once a dental procedure is completed, the disposable dental aerosoldevice 10, the dental valve 50, and the tip 52 may be discarded.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device100 constructed according to the present disclosure which provides forbeing able to adjust suction or vacuum during use. The device 100comprises a body 102 having a tip receiving end 104, a valve receivingend 106, a funnel 108, a first aerosol capturing port 110, and a secondaerosol capturing portion 112. Although the pair of ports 110 and 112are shown, it is also possible and contemplated to have one port or morethan a pair of ports. The tip receiving end 104 is adapted to receive atip 114 such as an evacuator tip device or straw such as a high volumeevacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector). The funnel 108flares outwardly from the body 102 and is wider than the body 102 tocapture aerosol. The valve receiving end 106 is adapted to receive adental valve 116 which is connected to a suction system (not shown)which is used to dispose of any aerosol, saliva, liquid, or debrisremoved from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The device100 is constructed of material that allows the device 100 to bedisposable and suitable for one time use. The valve receiving end 106also has a circular stop 118 which may be used to position the device 10within a dental valve. Although the funnel 108 is shown being circularat the tip receiving end 104, it is to be understood that the funnel 108may be various other shapes such as rectangular, oval, triangular, orsegmented. In any configuration the funnel 108 is flared outwardly andis wider than the body 102 and the dental valve 116 to be able tocapture aerosol. As should be appreciated, the device 100 is used with asuction system (not shown) which provides suction through the tip 114,the device 100, and the dental valve 116 so that any aerosol, debris,liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device 100 is removedthrough the device 100 when a movable valve sealing body associated withthe dental valve 116 is in an open state or a partially open state.

The body 102 has a central lumen 118 formed between the tip receivingend 104 and the valve receiving end 106. The central lumen 118 is usedto receive the tip 114. The first aerosol capturing port 110 has a firstaerosol capturing port lumen 120 that extends from a first port entranceopening 122 formed in the funnel 108 to a first port exit opening 124formed in the valve receiving end 106. The second aerosol capturing port112 has a second aerosol capturing port lumen 126 that extends from asecond port entrance opening 128 formed in the funnel 108 to a secondport exit opening 130 formed in the valve receiving end 106. As can beappreciated, aerosol is suctioned through the funnel 108 through eitherthe port entrance openings 122 or 128 through either the lumen 120 or126 out either the port exit openings 124 or 130 into the dental valve116. The device 100 is adjustable within the dental valve 116. Inparticular, the dental valve 116 has a circular ledge 132 which thevalve receiving end 106 may abut. When the valve receiving end 106 isadjacent to the ledge 132, any suction being generated by the suctionsystem is restricted or reduced. The device 100 may be moved within thedental valve device 116 to move the valve receiving end 106 away fromthe ledge 132 to increase suction. In this manner, the device 100 isadjustable and capable of increasing or decreasing suction. Once adental procedure is completed, the disposable dental aerosol device 100,the tip 114, and the dental valve 116 may be discarded.

With particular reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device 200 is illustrated. The disposabledental aerosol device 200 comprises a body 202 having a front end 204, arear end 206, a funnel 208, and an aerosol capturing port 210. Althoughone port 210 is shown, it is also possible to have more than the oneport 210. The body 202 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device orstraw (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volumeevacuator (saliva ejector) through the body 202. The tip device issimilar to currently available tip devices with the exception of havinga hole or an aperture formed in a side of the tip device, as will beexplained further herein. The funnel 208 flares outwardly from the body202 and is wider than the body 202 to capture aerosol. The device 200 isconstructed of material that allows the device 200 to be disposable andsuitable for one time use. Although the funnel 208 is shown beingcircular at the front end 204, it is to be understood that the funnel208 may be various other shapes such as rectangular, oval, triangular,or segmented. In any configuration the funnel 208 is flared outwardlyand is wider than the body 202 to be able to capture aerosol. As shouldbe appreciated, the device 200 is used with a suction system (not shown)which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or salivathat is introduced into the device 200 is removed through the device200.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device 200being inserted on a tip 220. The tip 220 has an aperture 222 formed in aside 224 of the tip 220. The aperture 222 is shown in phantom since thebody 202 is covering the tip 220. Although the aperture 222 is shown, itis also possible that the aperture 222 may take on various otherconfigurations such as a slot, a rectangle, an oval, or any other sizedand shaped opening that can be selectively covered and uncovered. Theaerosol capturing port 210 is also shown in phantom. The aerosolcapturing port 210 is used to selectively cover and uncover the aperture222 to be able to adjust suction. For example, when aerosol is notpresent, the device 200 may be adjusted or twisted so that the aerosolcapturing port 210 is not inline with the aperture 222. In this event,the aperture 222 is covered by the body 202. However, when suction isneeded because aerosol is present or being generated, the aerosolcapturing port 210 may be moved to be in alignment with the aperture 222so that aerosol may flow through the aerosol capturing port 210 and theaperture 222.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the disposable dentalaerosol device 200 and the tip 220 are illustrated. The tip 220 has theaperture 222 formed in the side 224 of the tip 220. The aperture 222 isshown being partially covered by the body 202 of the device 200. Theaerosol capturing port 210 is partially over the aperture 222. Theaerosol capturing port 210 is used to selectively cover and uncover theaperture 222 to be able to adjust suction.

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device300 constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposableaerosol device 300 comprises a body 302 having a front end 304, a rearend 306, and an aerosol capturing port 308. Although one port 308 isshown, it is also possible to have more than the one port 308. The body302 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown),such as the tip 220 (FIG. 7), such as a high volume evacuator or a lowvolume evacuator (saliva ejector) through the body 302. One differencebetween the device 200 and the device 300 is that there is no funnel atthe front end 304 of the device 300. The port 308 is used to captureaerosol. The device 300 is constructed of material that allows thedevice 300 to be disposable and suitable for one time use. As should beappreciated, the device 300 is used with a suction system (not shown)which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or salivathat is introduced into the device 300 is removed through the tip 220(FIG. 7) when the device 300 is installed over the tip 220. Further,suction may be adjusted by turning or twisting the port 308 relative tothe aperture 222 (FIG. 7).

With particular reference now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of adisposable dental aerosol device 400 constructed according to thepresent disclosure. The disposable aerosol device 400 comprises a body402 having a front end 404, a rear end 406, and a first aerosolcapturing port 408, a second aerosol capturing port 410, a third aerosolcapturing port 412, and a fourth aerosol capturing port 414. The body402 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown),such as the tip 220 (FIG. 7), such as a high volume evacuator or a lowvolume evacuator (saliva ejector) through a lumen 416 formed in the body402. One difference between the device 200 and the device 400 is thatthere is no funnel at the front end 404 of the device 400. The ports408, 410, 412, and 414 are used to capture aerosol. The device 400 isconstructed of material that allows the device 400 to be disposable andsuitable for one time use. As should be appreciated, the device 400 isused with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction so thatany aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into thedevice 400 is removed through the tip 220 (FIG. 7) when the device 400is installed over the tip 220. Further, suction may be adjusted byturning or twisting the ports 408, 410, 412, and 414 relative to theaperture 222 (FIG. 7). As can be appreciated, the tip 220 may beconstructed having four apertures and the ports 408, 410, 412, and 414,may be used to cover or uncover the apertures to adjust suction andaerosol captured by the device 400.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosoldevice 500 constructed according to the present disclosure. Thedisposable aerosol device 500 comprises a body 502 having a front end ortip receiving end 504, a rear end or valve receiving end 506, a firstvane or fin 508, a second vane or fin 510, a third vane or fin 512, anda fourth vane or fin 514. The vanes 508, 510, 512, and 514 extend fromthe front end 504 to the rear end 506. Although the four vanes 508, 510,512, and 514 are shown and described, it is to be understood that lessor more vanes may be employed. The body 502 has a lumen 516 formedtherein with the lumen 516 adapted to receive an evacuator tip device orstraw (not shown), such as the tip 220 (FIG. 7), such as a high volumeevacuator tip or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) tip. Each ofthe vanes 508, 510, 512, and 514 may have a series of saw toothed ridges518 along a length 520 of each of the vanes 508, 510, 512, and 514. Theridges 518 are used to secure the device 500 within a valve (not shown),as will be discussed in detail further herein. The lumen 516 has aninterior surface 522 having a number of ridges 524. The ridges 524 areused to secure a tip device or straw therein. A first aerosol capturingport 526 is formed between the first vane 508 and the second vane 510. Asecond aerosol capturing channel 528 is formed between the second vane510 and the third vane 512. A third aerosol capturing channel 530 isformed between the third vane 512 and the fourth vane 514. A fourthaerosol capturing channel 532 is formed between the fourth vane 514 andthe first vane 508. The aerosol capturing channels 526, 538, 530, and532 are formed along an exterior surface 534 of the body 502 of thedevice 500. Aerosol (not shown) may flow through the aerosol capturingchannels 526, 528, 530, and 532. The device 500 is constructed ofmaterial that allows the device 500 to be disposable and suitable forone time use. As should be now recognized, the device 500 is used with asuction or vacuum system (not shown) which provides suction so that anyaerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device500 is removed through the aerosol capturing channels 526, 528, 530, and532.

With reference now to FIG. 12, the aerosol capturing device 500 is shownbeing installed in a dental valve 550. The dental valve 550 has a tipreceiving end 552 in which the device 500 is inserted. The vanes 508,510, 512, and 514 are shown at the front end 504 of the device 500. Thefirst aerosol capturing channel 526 is formed between the first vane 508and the second vane 510. The second aerosol capturing channel 528 isformed between the second vane 510 and the third vane 512. The thirdaerosol capturing channel 530 is formed between the third vane 512 andthe fourth vane 514. The fourth aerosol capturing channel 532 is formedbetween the fourth vane 514 and the first vane 508. The aerosolcapturing channels 526, 528, 530, and 532 form channels or passagesthrough which aerosol may pass from the tip receiving end 552 into thedental valve 550 to be disposed of through a vacuum system (not shown).The series of saw toothed ridges 518 along the third vane 512 is showngripping an interior surface 554 of the dental valve 550. The ridges 518are used to secure the device 500 within the valve 550. The lumen 516has the interior surface 522 having the number of ridges 524 that areused to secure a tip or straw. With a tip or straw inserted into thelumen 516 through the front end 504, the device 500 is capable ofcapturing aerosol during a dental procedure at the same time the tip orstraw is functioning to remove saliva or other matter. In essence, thedevice 500 acts as an insert that allows aerosol to be captured withoutinhibiting the functioning of a tip or straw inserted into the device500. Also, it is possible and contemplated that the device 500 may beincorporated into the dental valve 550 and provided as a unitaryconstruction.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device600 constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposableaerosol device 600 comprises a body 602 having a front end or tipreceiving end 604, a rear end or valve receiving end 606, a firstaerosol capturing opening 608, a first aerosol lumen or channel 610, asecond aerosol capturing opening 612, and a second aerosol lumen orchannel 614. Although the pair of openings 608 and 612 and lumens 610and 614 are shown, it is also possible and contemplated to have more orless openings and lumens. In particular, in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 13, there are four openings and lumens. The front end or tipreceiving end 604 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw(not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator(saliva ejector). The device 600 is shown being inserted into a tipreceiving end 616 of a dental valve 618. The device 600 has a lumen 620formed between the front end 604 and the rear end 606. The lumen 620allows a tip device or straw to be inserted therein. The lumen 620 mayhave a number of ridges 622 along an interior surface 624 of the device600. The ridges 622 are used to secure a tip device or straw therein.The dental valve 618 has an interior surface 626 and a lumen 628. Thedevice 600 also has an exterior surface 630 having a series of sawtoothed ridges 632 along the exterior surface 630. The ridges 632 areused to secure the device 600 within the interior surface 626 of thedental valve 618. Although not shown, each lumen 610 and 614 has an exitopening at the rear end 606 of the device 600. Also, the device 600 mayhave a circular opening 634 to capture and direct aerosol toward theopenings 608 and 612. Aerosol (not shown) may flow through the aerosolcapturing openings 608 and 612 through the lumens 610 and 614,respectively, and out the exit openings into the lumen 628 of the dentalvalve 618.. The device 600 is constructed of material that allows thedevice 600 to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The device600 is used with a suction or vacuum system (not shown) which providessuction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that isintroduced into the device 600 is captured by the aerosol capturingopenings 608 and 612 to be directed to the lumen 628 of the dental valve618 to be disposed of by the suction system.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another embodiment of a disposable aerosolcapturing device 700 is illustrated. The device 700 comprises a body 702having a front end or tip receiving end 704, a rear end or valvereceiving end 706, a first vane or fin 708, a second vane or fin 710,and a third vane or fin 712. The vanes 708, 710, and 712 extend from thefront end 704 to the rear end 706. Although three vanes 708, 710, and712 are shown and described, it is to be understood that less or morevanes may be employed. The body 702 has a lumen 714 formed therein withthe lumen 714 adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw 716.The device 716 may be a high volume evacuator tip or a low volumeevacuator (saliva ejector) tip. A first aerosol capturing channel 718 isformed between the first vane 708 and the second vane 710. A secondaerosol capturing channel 720 is formed between the second vane 710 andthe third vane 712. The device 700 is inserted into a tip receiving end722 of a dental valve 724. The dental valve 724 has a lumen 726 throughwhich aerosol (not shown) may be captured, directed, and flow. Aerosol(not shown) may flow through the aerosol capturing channels 718 and 720.The device 700 is constructed of material that allows the device 700 tobe disposable and suitable for one time use. As should be nowrecognized, the device 700 is used with a suction or vacuum system (notshown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, orsaliva that is introduced into the device 700 is removed through theaerosol capturing channels 718 and 720. Again, although two aerosolcapturing channels are depicted, one or less channels may be formed inthe device 700.

With particular reference now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of adisposable aerosol capturing device 800 is shown. The disposable aerosolcapturing device 800 is inserted onto a collar 802 of an exteriorsurface 804 of a dental valve 806. The device 800 has an interiorsurface 808 having a circular indentation 810 that is sized to receivethe collar 802 therein. The device 800 has a rear end or valve receivingend 812 that extends past the collar 802. In essence, the device 800 iscapable of snapping into place around the collar 802. Although not shownin detail, the device 800 may be configured similar to the devices 500,600, or 700 with the rear end 812 being capable of fitting around thecollar 802 of the dental valve 806. The device 800 has a lumen 814 thatis capable of receiving a tip device or straw (not shown).

FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of a disposable aerosolcapturing device 850. The device 850 is the device 500 having a tipdevice or straw 852 formed as a unitary construction. The straw 852 isadapted to be inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dentalprocedure to remove saliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, andother debris or fluids. The device 500, as has been discussed, is usedto remove aerosol generated during the dental procedure. The device 500and the straw 852 may be molded together or may be two separate piecesthat are connected together by various means, such as, by way of exampleonly, welding, adhesive, or frictional engagement. The other devices 10,100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, and 800 may also be constructed in thesame manner as the device 850. The device 850 may easily be insertedinto a dental valve, such as the dental valve 618, for use in capturingsaliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris orfluids and aerosol during a dental operation.

The disposable dental aerosol devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,700, 800, and 850 may be formed of any suitable material such asplastic, paper, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene or any othersuitable material that is disposable and recyclable. Any suitableplastic may be used to construct the devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, and 850 so that the devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, and 850 may withstand use in a dental operation orprocedure. It is also possible and contemplated to incorporate anantimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or to provide a coatingof an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to further preventcross-contamination when using the devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,600, 700, 800, and 850. As can be appreciated, the antimicrobial agentmay be incorporated into any of the components of the devices 10, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 850. It is further possible thatthe devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 850 may beconstructed as part of a dental valve. It is also contemplated that thedevices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 may beconstructed with a tip device or straw so that the devices 10, 100, 200,300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 and the tip device or straw form aunitary construction, as is disclosed with respect to the device 850.The devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 may also bemade with a dental valve and a tip device or straw to form a unitaryconstruction of all of these products.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus beenshown and described herein a disposable dental aerosol device whichfulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes,modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of thesubject disposable dental aerosol device are possible and contemplated.All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applicationswhich do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure aredeemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by theclaims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable dental aerosol device comprises: abody having an exterior surface, a front end, a rear end, a lumen formedbetween the front end and the rear end; a vane extending along theexterior surface from the front end to the rear end; and an aerosolcapturing channel formed between the vane.
 2. The disposable dentalaerosol device of claim 1 wherein the lumen comprises an interiorsurface having a number of ridges.
 3. The disposable dental aerosoldevice of claim 1 wherein the body is constructed of plastic.
 4. Thedisposable dental aerosol device of claim 1 wherein the vane comprises alength and a series of saw toothed ridges along the length.
 5. Thedisposable dental aerosol device of claim 1 wherein the vane comprises aseries of saw toothed ridges.
 6. A disposable dental aerosol devicecomprises: a body having an exterior surface, a front end, a rear end, alumen formed between the front end and the rear end; a first vaneextending along the exterior surface from the front end to the rear end;a second vane extending along the exterior surface from the front end tothe rear end; a first aerosol capturing channel formed between the firstvane and the second vane; and a second aerosol capturing channel formedbetween the second vane and the first vane.
 7. The disposable dentalaerosol device of claim 6 wherein the lumen comprises an interiorsurface having a number of ridges.
 8. The disposable dental aerosoldevice of claim 6 wherein the body is constructed of plastic.
 9. Thedisposable dental aerosol device of claim 6 wherein the first vanecomprises a length and a series of saw toothed ridges along the length.10. The disposable dental aerosol device of claim 6 wherein the secondvane comprises a length and a series of saw toothed ridges along thelength.
 11. The disposable dental aerosol device of claim 6 furthercomprising a third vane extending along the exterior surface from thefront end to the rear end.
 12. The disposable dental aerosol device ofclaim 11 further comprising a fourth vane extending along the exteriorsurface from the front end to the rear end.
 13. The disposable dentalaerosol device of claim 12 further comprising a third aerosol capturingchannel formed between the second vane and the third vane.
 14. Thedisposable dental aerosol device of claim 13 further comprising a fourthaerosol capturing channel formed between the fourth vane and the firstvane.
 15. The disposable dental aerosol device of claim 14 wherein thethird vane comprises a length and a series of saw toothed ridges alongthe length of the third vane and the fourth vane comprises a length anda series of saw toothed ridges along the length of the fourth vane. 16.A disposable dental aerosol device comprises: a body having an interiorsurface, an exterior surface, a front end, a rear end, a lumen formedbetween the front end and the rear end; a vane extending along theexterior surface from the front end to the rear end; an aerosolcapturing channel formed between the vane; and a circular indentationformed in the interior surface adjacent the rear end.
 17. The disposabledental aerosol device of claim 16 wherein the body is constructed ofplastic.
 18. The disposable dental aerosol device of claim 16 whereinthe vane comprises a length and a series of saw toothed ridges along thelength.
 19. The disposable dental aerosol device of claim 16 wherein thelumen comprises an interior surface having a number of ridges.
 20. Thedisposable dental aerosol device of claim 16 wherein the vane comprisesa series of saw toothed ridges.